After you've been at work for 12+ hours, do you *need* some quiet time to recover right away? If so, do you actually get any?
We were talking at work yesterday about this, and it dawned on me that I need a looooot of quiet time (too much?), especially after a few shifts in a row. I adore my boyfriend, but when I get home from work he's trying to talk and listen to music while cooking and watch our TV shows - but I just can't fathom doing anything but sitting in silence for a while, LOL. Usually my alone time after work is a ten-minute drive and a shower. This week he's been out of town, and although I miss him terribly, I've actually been a little more refreshed after my three shifts because it's just me here. ?♀️
I need my quiet time at the beginning of every day. I get up 45 minutes before anyone else so I can enjoy my coffee without having to engage with anyone. Really gets me in the right headspace for the day.
Same. I get up about 45 min earlier than I really need to get ready for work to have that time for coffee, let my dogs out, feed the cat and to wake up for the day. As a matter of fact I am working this morning, I have about another 10 min before I have to leave.
I find I just don't have time for that "quiet time" after I get home from work so I need to take it in the morning.
Specializes in Pediatrics, Community Health, School Health.
3 hours ago, kbrn2002 said:
I get up about 45 min earlier than I really need to get ready for work to have that time for coffee, let my dogs out, feed the cat and to wake up for the day.
Haha, exactly what I do. Feed the cat, let the dog out and drink my coffee in peace!
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
I need at least ONE full day of quiet. Where I go nowhere and talk to no one unless I need to. I may spend the day in my jammies and eat junk food and watch tv or binge Netflix.
I have been this way forever (being a nurse nearly 25 years anyhow). I realize it's best to honor that need and do good for myself by taking this time for myself. My husband used to get all up in arms and confused about this. He doesn't any more.
I feel like other nurses/medical staff can get this. Those who are not, have a tough time sometimes.
I get really tired (especially mentally) caring for chronically ill people who are needy and have a certain measure of learned helplessness. I acknowledge this and just press on.
I need at least ONE full day of quiet. Where I go nowhere and talk to no one unless I need to. I may spend the day in my jammies and eat junk food and watch tv or binge Netflix.
I have been this way forever (being a nurse nearly 25 years anyhow). I realize it's best to honor that need and do good for myself by taking this time for myself. My husband used to get all up in arms and confused about this. He doesn't any more.
I feel like other nurses/medical staff can get this. Those who are not, have a tough time sometimes.
I get really tired (especially mentally) caring for chronically ill people who are needy and have a certain measure of learned helplessness. I acknowledge this and just press on.
YAAAAASSSSSSS. LOL, that's *exactly* my dream recovery day; no expectations, no responsibilities, just me chilling in a room by myself with snacks, books, and Brick Breaker.
Same. I get up about 45 min earlier than I really need to get ready for work to have that time for coffee, let my dogs out, feed the cat and to wake up for the day. As a matter of fact I am working this morning, I have about another 10 min before I have to leave
I'm having my coffee right now, mentally preparing for the day. You hit the routine spot on!
I need at least ONE full day of quiet. Where I go nowhere and talk to no one unless I need to. I may spend the day in my jammies and eat junk food and watch tv or binge Netflix.
I have been this way forever (being a nurse nearly 25 years anyhow). I realize it's best to honor that need and do good for myself by taking this time for myself. My husband used to get all up in arms and confused about this. He doesn't any more.
I feel like other nurses/medical staff can get this. Those who are not, have a tough time sometimes.
I get really tired (especially mentally) caring for chronically ill people who are needy and have a certain measure of learned helplessness. I acknowledge this and just press on.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
On 10/27/2021 at 6:38 PM, NightNerd said:
After you've been at work for 12+ hours, do you *need* some quiet time to recover right away? If so, do you actually get any?
We were talking at work yesterday about this, and it dawned on me that I need a looooot of quiet time (too much?), especially after a few shifts in a row. I adore my boyfriend, but when I get home from work he's trying to talk and listen to music while cooking and watch our TV shows - but I just can't fathom doing anything but sitting in silence for a while, LOL. Usually my alone time after work is a ten-minute drive and a shower. This week he's been out of town, and although I miss him terribly, I've actually been a little more refreshed after my three shifts because it's just me here. ?♀️
Yes! I lived alone for years in my 20s and 30s and got really used to uninterrupted decompression time. I didn't realize how it helped me balance internally until I moved in with my then boyfriend and his 4 year old child.
I really adored her and had no problem with the "instant family", so I was really surprised by my feelings of irritation when she would meet me the minute I got home and want play and talk immediately. Then I felt guilty for feeling irritated.
Eventually it worked out in a compromise because I then realized that quiet time was an essential for me, it was just less than before.
I've also done the 45 minute morning coffee routine for my entire adult life. I don't get people who bounce from bed to shower to out the door in 20 minutes.
I need at least 24h of nothing after a stretch of shifts. If I have something going on before then, I can fake it, but I'll have to tack on more recovery time once I've fufilled my obligations. If I try to power through, my brain goes mushy and cranky and I've learned to just take the rest period.
kbrn2002, ADN, RN
3,967 Posts
Same. I get up about 45 min earlier than I really need to get ready for work to have that time for coffee, let my dogs out, feed the cat and to wake up for the day. As a matter of fact I am working this morning, I have about another 10 min before I have to leave.
I find I just don't have time for that "quiet time" after I get home from work so I need to take it in the morning.